A Brief HistoryPopular Alternatives To RobinhoodMinimum Initial DepositSpreads, Commissions & LeverageOther Trading FeesRobinhood Trading PlatformMobile AppMethods of PaymentRobinhood AccountsDemo AccountAdditional FeaturesRegulation & LicenseBenefitsDrawbacksTrading HoursContact & Customer SupportSafety & SecurityRobinhood VerdictAccepted CountriesAlternatives to Robinhood
Robinhood is a streamlined trading brokerage that has gained serious traction for bringing online day trading to the masses through its free app. Specifically, it offers stocks, ETFs and cryptocurrency trading. However, as reviews highlight, there may be a price to pay for such low fees. With that being said, this review of Robinhood will examine all elements of their offering, including platforms, mobile app, customer service and accounts, before concluding with a final verdict.
A Brief History
Robinhood founders Vlad Tenev and Baiju Bhatt were Stanford University students in 2013 when they launched the brokerage company. Their straightforward approach to trading the markets earned them $3 million in investments before product launch. Since then Robinhood has gone global and raised an impressive $176 million.
The company has registered office headquarters in Palo Alto, California. Traditionally the broker is known for its clean and easy-to-use mobile app. However, as the number of users and revenue has grown, the exchange decided it would launch a web-based platform in 2018.
February 2018 also saw Robinhood introduce cryptocurrency trading in:
Bitcoin (BTC)
Ethereum (ETH)
On top of that, they will offer support for real-time market data for the following digital currency coins:
Ethereum Classic (ETC)
Bitcoin Cash (BCH)
Bitcoin Gold (BTG)
Dogecoin (DOGE)
OmiseGO (OMG)
Monero (XMR)
Litecoin (LTC)
Qtum (QTUM)
Dash (DASH)
Ripple (XRP)
Stellar (XLM)
Zcash (ZEC)
NEO (NEO)
Lisk (LSK)
To begin with, Robinhood was aimed at US customers only. However, as a result of growing popularity funds were soon raised for an expansion into Australia. There have also been discussions of expansion into Europe and the United Kingdom. Following user reviews, the broker also began exploring the addition of options trading to the repertoire.
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Minimum Initial Deposit
There is no initial deposit minimum for Robinhood’s standard account. However if you have a Gold margin account you will need $2000, as is the regulatory minimum. Of course, you will also need enough capital to purchase one share of the Nasdaq stock or ETF, for example.
Such low minimum deposit requirements are a real bonus to this broker, as many competitors require upwards of $1,000 to open an account.
Spreads, Commissions & Leverage
Not only is there zero commissions on in-application trades, but Robinhood has implemented a transparent fee structure for their Gold margin accounts. While many exchanges charge a confusing annual interest rate, Robinhood uses a monthly fee based on the amount of equity you borrow. For example, with an account balance of $5,000 plus $2,000 in margin, your monthly fee would be $10.
As a result of this pricing framework, Robinhood is one of the cheapest online brokers around.
Other Trading Fees
User reviews happily point out there are no hidden fees. There are zero inactivity, ACH or withdrawal fees. Having said that, there is a $75 ACAT outgoing transfer fee.
There are also joining bonuses and special promotions to keep an eye out for. For example, at times Robinhood offer a referral deal where you can get free stocks when you bring a friend onto the network.
Head over to the official website to see what special offers are currently running.
Robinhood Trading Platform
Since the web platform release date was announced for 2018, an impressive 640,000 customers swiftly signed up to the waiting list.
Once you log in, the online platform will be more robust than the mobile app, but still lacking when compared to competitors. From the menu, users will be able to access:
Analyst ratings and market commentary from Morningstar
Price data and current share price of a given security, such as Japanese stocks, for example
Ticker profiles will offer a list of recently bought stocks and index funds, which could help users identify potentially profitable assets.
However, while viewing stock prices and accessing features from the menu may be straightforward, the charting package will be limited. Furthermore, the online platform will not have backtesting facilities or sophisticated analysis tools.
Having said that, Robinhood was quick to announce it will provide guides on how to use the new web-based platform. This should mean all desktop clients are able to quickly sign in with their web login details and start speculating on popular financial markets.
Mobile App
The Robinhood App
Trading platform reviews are divided when it comes to Robinhood’s mobile app offering, which until 2018 was the only way users could place trades. Firstly, it’s worth noting they offer apps for both iPhone and Android users that can be downloaded from their respective app stores in just a couple of minutes.
Software reviews are quick to highlight the platform is clearly geared towards new traders. As a result, the user interface is simple but effective.
You won’t get screeners, backtesting tools or advanced features. In addition, not everything is in one place. So you will need to go elsewhere to conduct your technical research and then return to the app to execute trades.
Having said that, it isn’t too sparse. For example, you can still:
Execute trades
Check watch lists
Keep up with news
Pull streaming stock prices
Deposit or withdraw funds
Alter your security settings
View charts with basic metrics
Conduct basic market research
On top of that, information pops up to help walk you through getting the most out of the app. Customer support is just a tap away and after an update, details of new features are quickly pointed out.
How To Use Robinhood App
Reviews of the Robinhood app do concede placing trades is extremely easy. You can access the trade screen from a ticker profile. Alternatively, if you swipe left on a ticker when in a watchlist, a ‘Buy’ button will appear. You can also delete a ticker by swiping across to the left.
iOS and iPhone app reviews do note there are several things you cannot do. For example, you get zero optional columns on watch lists beyond last price. Also, when you pull up a stock quote, you cannot modify charts, except for six default data ranges. Furthermore, you cannot conduct technical analysis. Finally, there is no landscape mode for horizontal viewing.
App Verdict
It is great Robinhood offers free stock trading for Android and iOS users. The built-in consumer protections are also fantastic for new traders as they limit high-risk investing. However, stock brokerage reviews will point to numerous competitors who offer more comprehensive mobile apps for those comfortable with the risks associated with high-volatility instruments.
Methods of Payment
Once you sign up for a Robinhood account, you will need to deposit funds before you can start trading. Fortunately, you can link your bank account directly to Robinhood to make both deposits and withdrawals. Plus, verifying your bank account is quick and hassle-free.
Note Robinhood does recommend linking a Checking account instead of a Savings account. This could prevent potential transfer reversals.
Following customer reviews, the broker is also considering supporting alternative funding methods, including PayPal and virtual wallets.
Robinhood Accounts
Robinhood offers three different account types:
Standard account – When you register you will automatically be given this account. It grants you access to instant deposits. On top of that, you won’t have to wait for your money to process when trading stocks and making deposits of up to $1,000.
Gold account – This upgraded account gives you extra buying power, greater instant deposits, plus extended trading hours. Because it is a margin account, you will need to hold a minimum balance of $2,000. Gold reviews are positive, with customers enjoying the benefits that come with a margin account and more trading hours. Gold account price will vary depending on which tier you select. You will pay a flat monthly fee based on margin. It’s worth noting trading on margin can be risky. In fact, you may lose more than your initial investment.
Cash account – The cash account enables you to place commission-free trades in equities, without instant deposits and settlements. Note you can also downgrade to a cash account from the standard Robinhood account and Gold account.
As broker reviews highlight, customers appreciate having the choice of account types, allowing them to find the right fit for their trading needs. Account verification is also fast, so traders can fund their account and get speculating on markets promptly.
Demo Account
Whether you’re trading forex, the S&P 500 or penny stocks, practising on a demo account first can help you craft effective strategies before you risk real capital. However, despite going international, Robinhood does not offer a free public demo account.
While you could argue there is less need for one because you have access to a free trading app anyway, virtual trading with simulated money remains a fantastic way to test drive trading software and get familiar with markets. Until a practice account is introduced, reviews will continue to highlight this as a significant drawback to the Robinhood system.
Additional Features
Robinhood investment reviews are quick to highlight the lack of research resources and tools. Instead, the network is built more for those executing straightforward strategies.
Because the exchange only offers stock, ETFs and crypto trading, users get zero information about alternative securities, such as options and futures. Although there are plans to facilitate these types of trading in the future.
Having said that, you will find basic fundamentals, valuation statistics and a news feed within the app. Although for comprehensive news coverage you may be better off turning to the likes of Yahoo Finance. Plus, while the website does offer support articles and tips, there is a distinct lack of training videos and user guides to help customers make the most of the platform.
The limited resources is a real downside to the broker’s offering. For example, as cryptocurrency trading in the UK and elsewhere soars, the company could really aid users by providing information on blockchain technologies and digital currency tokens.
Regulation & License
Recent years have seen an increase in hacking and promises of riches from unscrupulous brokers. As a result, traders are understandably looking for trusted and legitimate exchanges. Fortunately, as account reviews highlight, Robinhood is a member of both FINRA and the SIPC. Furthermore, the SIPC promise insurance of up to $500,000 per client, with a $250,000 sub-limit for cash claims.
On top of that, additional insurance is guaranteed through Lloyds and a number of other London Underwriters. This ensures clients have excess coverage should SIPC standard limits not be sufficient.
Benefits
There are a number of very good reasons to choose Robinhood, including:
Cost – The exchange charges zero trading fees for buying or selling stocks and ETFs. This commission-free structure is perfect for traders with low capital. It’s not until you take Robinhood vs Coinbase, Vanguard, Fidelity and others that you realise quite how low Robinhood’s trading fees are.
No account minimum – Trading blogs and forums are often rife with complaints about high barriers to entry because of significant initial deposit requirements. However, it is free to open a Robinhood account and cash accounts have no account minimums.
Easy-to-use – Their straightforward app is clean, quick and easy to pick up. This is perfect for beginners who don’t want to be drowned in complex features and options.
Free bank transfers – ACH transfers are always free. Again this will appeal to new traders who have limited start-up capital.
Mobile users – Robinhood provides a good mobile trading app for both iOS and Android users. Users can conduct market research, trade and manage their account with ease from within the application.
Drawbacks
Despite the number of positives, there also certain drawbacks to Robinhood’s offering, including:
Limited research & education – Investing reviews are quick to point out that Robinhood falls short in terms of in-depth analysis and research tools. This may deter novice traders who are looking for additional resources that will help them develop as traders.
Limited products – Although the brokerage has made strides towards offering cryptocurrency trading, user reviews point out that there are alternatives offering a much broader range of tradable instruments.
Basic charts – Charts and patterns form an essential part of your market analysis. Unfortunately, take Robinhood vs Etoro, Etrade and TD Ameritrade and it quickly becomes clear the former offers an extremely basic charting package. In fact, users only get tick information and historical price data, with no customisation capabilities.
Real-time data concerns – Despite the actual app showing quote data in real-time, terms and conditions point out that data may be delayed by up to 20 minutes.
Basic order types – Robinhood does not support advanced order types or options trades, while limit orders are collared up to 5%.
Accessibility – Because the Robinhood broker is still in its infancy, for EU and UK investing and trading, Robinhood is not an option. Fortunately, as their net worth continues to grow, the company looks set to welcome traders from new countries.
Negative buying power – Robinhood Gold users are at risk of having a negative balance. Although this may not lead to a margin call, you will need to deposit extra funds. This should remind users that it’s all too easy to lose more than your initial capital.
Trading Hours
Robinhood trading hours will depend on the asset you are trading as they generally follow the markets. Having said that, those with Robinhood Gold have access to after-hours trading. As a result, users can trade for an extra 30 minutes before the market opens, as well as two hours after it closes. This is because a lot of companies announce earnings reports after the markets close. But the downside of buying and selling during after-hours sessions is reduced liquidity, which can result in bid/ask spreads being higher.
Contact & Customer Support
The Robinhood Financial company offers numerous ways of getting in touch, including:
Phone
Email
Twitter
Facebook
Google+
LinkedIn
However, as user reviews are quick to point out, these resources are not available 24/7. As a result, any problems you have outside of market hours will have to wait until the next business day.
Despite the limited options, customer reviews show support staff are relatively knowledgeable and can assist you if your platform’s not working or the website is down. They can also help with a range of account queries.
Robinhood does also try to push users towards their online help center and FAQ page, where most users’ questions and queries have been answered in detail.
Note customer service assistants cannot give tax advice. Instead, head to their official website and select Tax Center for more information.
Safety & Security
On top of insurance, Robinhood has multiple layers of security to keep personal data and information secure, including TPS encryption. Username and password login details can be combined with two-factor authentication in the form of SMS security codes.
Alternatively, if you have fingerprint ID for your iOS or Android device, you can sign in with touch ID. This makes accessing and exiting your investing app quick and easy.
Robinhood Verdict
If low cost is your priority then you can’t beat Robinhood’s free trading service. But while the broker offers just enough for users to trade comfortably, it is perhaps best suited to beginners looking for a simple, user-friendly design. As product and platform reviews highlight, experienced traders may want to look elsewhere for sophisticated tools and additional resources.
Accepted Countries
Robinhood only accepts traders from United States.
Alternatives to Robinhood
If you are looking for alternatives to Robinhood we have compiled a list of the top 5 brokers that are similar to Robinhood below. This list of brokers like Robinhood is in order of similarity and only includes companies that accept traders from your location.
ZacksTrade – ZacksTrade: Built for the active trader. Stock & ETF trades from $3, 75¢ options contracts and 3.56% margin rate (lower on occasion)
Trading212 – Trading 212 Offer a truly mobile trading experience. With tight spreads and a huge range of markets, they offer a dynamic and detailed trading environment. Recent customer care issues have severely damaged the reputation of the brand.
Rockfort Markets – Rockfort Markets is a New Zealand broker with a competitive range of assets, trading platforms and educational services.
Just2Trade – Just2Trade offer high tech trading on stocks and options with some of the lowest prices in the industry.
Saxo Bank – A regulated bank, Saxobank offer Equities and Forex trading on 40,000+ markets via the SaxoTrader Pro and SaxoTrader Go platforms